SOUTHPORT continued their impressive recent run with a 3-0 win away to struggling Newport County in the Blue Square Bet Premier League.
First-half goals from Simon Grand, Karl Ledsham and Tony Gray did the damage for Liam Watson's side, who move up to ninth in the table off the back of a run which has seen them win seven of their last nine games.
In the Blue Square Bet North, Vauxhall Motors surrendered a three-goal interval lead to draw 3-3 at Histon.
Goals from the in-form Leighton McGivern, Craig Mahon and Josh Wilson had given Anthony Wright's men a comfortable half-time advantage, but they were pegged back by The Stutes after the break, with Matthew Breeze's 69th minute strike earning David Livermore's men a point, leaving Vauxhall in 18th place.
In the Evo-Stik Premier Division North, second-placed Chester FC left it late to beat Chasetown at the Deva Stadium, with Michael Wilde's winner coming in the 88th minute.
Marine drew 1-1 at FC United of Manchester in a game which saw 11 bookings and a red card. Stephen Johnson gave Marine the lead, but Matty Wolfenden’s 59th minute goal secured FC United a point.
Meanwhile, Burscough recorded a vital 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Stocksbridge Park Steels with goals from Mark Beesley and Matt Parry, just their second league success of the campaign.
In the FA Trophy, Skelmersdale United were beaten 4-3 at Woodley Sports, having battled back from 3-1 down. Matt Walwyn scored twice, with Chris Almond also on target.
Prescot Cables, despite a Lee Madin strike, also lost, 2-1 at home to Durham City, while Cammell Laird were beaten 3-0 at home by Bamber Bridge on Friday night.
Warrington Town earned a replay with a 2-2 draw at Sheffield FC, Anthony Hickey netting twice for Town.
In the North West Counties League’s Premier Division, Bootle lost a top-of-the-table clash 3-2 at home to Barnoldswick Town. The Bucks led twice through Ryan Wilkinson, but succumbed to a 79th minute winner from Spencer Jordan.
AFC Liverpool twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Squires Gate, with Shaun Chart's 89th minute leveller securing a point.
Runcorn Linnets shared six goals at home to AFC Blackpool. Strikes from Rob Whyte and Paul Prescott gave the Linnets a 2-0 interval lead which was wiped out when the visitors netted twice in a space of a couple of minutes early in the second period through a Niall Cummins penalty and a Steve Betteridge strike. Sean Pearson’s 77th minute goal restored the Linnets’ lead only for Marc Beattie to level eight minutes from time.
Runcorn Town had better fortunes collecting maximum points at Silsden. Daniel Dalton’s goal for Runcorn was cancelled out by a John Douglas goal but Mark Keddie’s effort on 77 minutes proved to be the winner.
Elsewhere, St Helens Town fell to a 5-2 home reverse against Glossop North End.
In Division One, Formby, despite Mark Kirby's early goal, lost 4-1 at AFC Darwen.
